“There were in many villages, chiefly inhabited by classes of lower caste, small edifices, both thatched and tiled, in which worship was offered to Deities of Evil, which were supposed to be Demons or Devils, and were the objects of terror to those people: the names of some of these Demons were ‘Veeran,’ ‘Kurpen,’ and ‘Katarree' (female). They were worshipped in jungles, and the spot selected was usually under the shade of some spreading tree, most frequently the tamarind tree, from which was to be seen suspended a long iron chain, with a seat, as for a swing, attached to it; and beneath the tree were to be found spears of iron of different shapes, with human and animal figures in rude pottery. Annual ceremonies were performed in these places, in order to propitiate the Demon which presided.”

Stupifying Sweetmeats. Madras.

Captain Wallancey to the Secretary of Fort St. George. [P.C. 4993, Coll. 19.] “Within the last few years, while carrying on a

search for fugitive Thugs, I have become aware of the existence of a set of wretches who practise a system of
drugging travellers on the high-roads and in the principal towns, for the purpose of plundering them of their property. . . . . In Bengal such perpetrators are termed Matywallahs, as they administer the drug in a sweetmeat; but in this part of India it is administered in some liquid–generally milk. . . . . A short time after the dose has been administered stupefaction ensues, and the person who has partaken of it becomes perfectly senseless, and will fall into a deep sleep. If, however, the dose administered should be large, delirium and raving takes place, which often ends in death. . . . . I believe it to be a fact that not one of this class of villains has ever been detected.”

In consequence of this report, the Government of . Fort St. George addressed a circular judicial letter, recommending that the heads of police should “caution all persons not to receive messes or sweetmeats from strangers.”

Astrologers in Nepaul.

(Journal of Major Lawrence.) Nepaul, July 7, 1845. “On the 4th a vulture, having settled on the roof of the palace above where the Maharajah was seated, was shot. His Highness consulted the astrologers as to what the evil omen augured. They replied that he (the Maharajah) would within four months receive a severe hurt and die. They stated that the danger is only to be averted by aims and devotion: money has

accordingly been given to Brahmins and Fakirs, but great as is his Highness's superstition, it will hardly induce him to loosen his purse-strings. He has removed from that quarter of the palace where the vulture sat. Another alarm has been caused by the spirit of Matabar being supposed to have entered the room in which he was murdered, and made a great noise, on the night of the 5th instant. The Maharajah accordingly ordered Poojah to be performed in the room, and then desired that it should be closed for ever.” October 2, 1845.

“The Maharajah has ordered all the Pundits to examine their books, and to inform him whether the British will be victorious against the Punjaub.”

It was desired at one time by Mr. Cardwell and myself to insert this letter in a volume of Sir Robert Peel's biography or correspondence. Permission being asked of the Emperor accordingly, his Majesty replied as follows. S.